We were lucky to catch up with LaVada English recently and have shared our conversation below.

LaVada, appreciate you joining us today. Do you have any thoughts about how to create a more inclusive workplace?

So how did my journey in this field begin? It all started after marrying at a young age and becoming a mother when I was just 20. Determined to pursue my education, I completed my undergraduate studies and secured a position at a prominent pharmaceutical company based in New Brunswick, NJ. This opportunity opened doors for me to travel across the United States, forging connections with various diversity-focused organizations and universities. My role was to identify and recruit exceptional candidates to join our company.

As a diversity talent consultant, I collaborated with leaders throughout the organization, spanning different departments such as marketing, operations, engineering, sales, and more. I took it upon myself to educate decision-makers about the importance of hiring individuals with diverse backgrounds and life experiences. I guided candidates, helping them understand the expectations and adjustments required as they transitioned into a corporate environment. Within this role, I spearheaded multiple projects and initiatives to foster diversity and inclusion across various entities.

What made these positions truly rewarding was the opportunity to guide and position numerous candidates on their path to success. However, as time went on, I noticed a recurring pattern. The teams where I placed these talented individuals often lacked the preparation to embrace diversity fully. While the recruiting process was impeccable, retaining a diverse talent pool became challenging. I received calls from brilliant hires expressing their concerns about feeling safe and supported in their work environments. They felt that leadership and their teams needed to invest more in their success, often experiencing pressure to downplay the unique aspects of their personalities and perspectives. This situation was perplexing, considering that they were initially hired for their “differences.”

Overall, my experiences in these roles have taught me the crucial importance of attracting diverse talent and fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for them to thrive.

LaVada, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am the visionary behind Bright Places, a pioneering learning and development firm dedicated to empowering individuals through transformative leadership and fostering inclusive environments. Our core mission revolves around promoting the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, as we firmly believe that every human being possesses a unique purpose for their existence. With an unwavering commitment to removing barriers and obstacles, we strive to create a world where individuals can thrive unencumbered. Recognizing our occupations’ profound impact on our lives, we fervently advocate against stress and marginalization in the workplace, endeavoring to establish harmonious and fulfilling professional experiences for all.

My clientele spans across a diverse array of sectors, ranging from esteemed governmental institutions to prominent players in industries such as pharmaceuticals, law, cosmetics, marketing, IT, and beyond. These visionary organizations turn to us in their quest to bolster diversity retention and enhance their ability to cater to the unique needs of their diverse customer base. Our collaborative efforts are grounded in a commitment to fostering an inclusive society and deeply rooted in the fundamental principles of sound business practices. Recognizing the inherent value of diversity, our clients reap the tangible benefits of improved performance and enhanced market competitiveness.

We collaborate closely with business decision-makers to foster alignment between organizational values and the behaviors of individuals within the company. Our comprehensive approach encompasses the development and implementation of targeted education programs, along with the formulation of influential people strategies. Additionally, we provide personalized executive coaching and deliver impactful messages at various events.

At the core of our strategies lies the fundamental principle of “Intercultural Competence.” Recognizing the potential risks associated with leaders lacking the necessary skills to promote inclusivity, we strive to empower our clients without blaming or shame. Instead, we facilitate their growth in perceiving, embracing, and catalyzing transformative change, resulting in the establishment of equitable practices. As a direct result of our services, our clients experience enhanced employee retention rates and a noticeable decline in Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) litigation.

Introducing LaVada’s Newest Children’s Book:

“Kyla Believes” – Coming July 2023!

Get ready to embark on a magical journey with LaVada’s enchanting creation, “Kyla Believes.” This captivating children’s book is inspired by LaVada’s beloved little cousin and beautifully illustrates the limitless possibilities for a beautiful brown girl to achieve and become.

Through whimsical illustrations and a heartfelt narrative, “Kyla Believes” defies any preconceived notions and challenges the boundaries of imagination. It celebrates the power of belief and determination, encouraging children to dream big and embrace their unique potential.

Prepare to be swept away by the charm and wonder of “Kyla Believes” as it touches the hearts of children and adults alike. Don’t miss the highly anticipated launch of this extraordinary tale in July 2023, as LaVada shares her heartfelt message of empowerment and inspiration with the world.

Featured Program:

Introducing “The Exit Planned” – a transformative coaching program designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge for entrepreneurial leadership, enabling you to transition gracefully when the time is right. Unlike theoretical concepts or hyped-up fast-track strategies, this program is led by seasoned professionals with firsthand experience. They are accomplished business owners who, just like you, began their journey from humble beginnings.

By participating in “The Exit Planned,” you will gain invaluable insights, empowering you to:

1. Construct a solid business foundation while maintaining your current role.
2. Develop a systematic approach to building a robust client pipeline.
3. Implement long-term safeguards to protect the future of your business.
4. Forge meaningful connections within a supportive network.

Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to elevate your entrepreneurial journey and prepare yourself for a successful exit strategy. Enroll in “The Exit Planned” today.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Promoting equity and inclusion, collaborating with resistant leaders, and coaching teams to enhance their collaboration skills is an exciting and gratifying endeavor. Our practice thrives because our team is committed to transforming toxic work environments into healthier ones.

I prioritize cultivating enduring and meaningful relationships with my clients, investing ample time and patience to attentively listen and learn from them while imparting valuable leadership techniques.

Frequently, I devote my time simply because I genuinely care about their success, and the long-lasting impact of these authentic connections yields positive outcomes. Consequently, referrals naturally flow in, ensuring a continuous stream of opportunities.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Trust, transparency, and support foster a positive and appreciative team environment. This requires ongoing effort and consideration.

1. Foster open communication: Encourage your team members to express their ideas, concerns, and feedback freely. Create a safe space where everyone feels comfortable sharing thoughts, opinions, and suggestions. Actively listen to their perspectives and provide constructive feedback when needed. This means you must identify and balance your biases.

2. Promote collaboration: Emphasize the importance of teamwork and collaboration. Encourage your team members to work together, leveraging each other’s strengths and expertise. Foster a sense of camaraderie and unity by organizing team-building activities or projects that encourage collaboration and problem-solving.

3. Empower autonomy: Provide your team members with the autonomy to make decisions and take ownership of their work. Trust their judgment and delegate tasks that align with their skills and interests. Offer guidance and support when needed, but allow them the freedom to explore new approaches and learn from their experiences.

4. Recognize and celebrate achievements: Acknowledge and appreciate your team’s accomplishments regularly. Celebrate milestones, both big and small, and publicly recognize their efforts. Implement an employee recognition program that highlights exceptional performance and rewards outstanding contributions. We are setting sail on a cruise this summer for a team celebration!

5. Encourage professional growth: Support the development of your team members’ skills and knowledge. Provide opportunities for training, workshops, or conferences that align with their career goals. Encourage them to take on challenging assignments that foster growth and learning. Offer mentorship or coaching to help them develop their potential further.

6. Lead by example: Set the tone for the team by demonstrating the qualities and behaviors you value. Show your own commitment to personal and professional growth, and be transparent about your own mistakes and lessons learned. Encourage a learning mindset and foster a culture where everyone feels comfortable sharing and learning from failures.

7. Balance workload and well-being: Keep an eye on the workload distribution within your team. Ensure that no one is overwhelmed or burnt out. Encourage a healthy work-life balance and be supportive of their personal well-being. Offer flexibility when possible and check in on their individual needs and challenges regularly.

Building a thriving team culture is an ongoing process that requires consistent effort and genuine care. Prioritizing trust, transparency, support, and appreciation creates an environment where your team members feel valued, motivated, and empowered to excel. As a leader, I am constantly checking to make sure my team feels valued; it’s easy to get busy and forget how important theses things are.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.brgtplaces.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brgtplaces/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brgtplaces/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brgtplaces
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/brgtplaces

Image Credits
https://www.kennethdolin.com/